rissen: the vampire sypathy story board

(ooc: Well, i dont have any uses for Einari...dont think I will but I guess if you want him to sacrifice himself its alright. And on another note, I have NEVER been good with making up names so if these names are a little…odd for the era, please forgive it. Anyways, took a little longer than expected to come up with this but w/o further ado….)

The thick, almost intoxicating scent of blood choked the air, corpses littering the fertile green grass in the late hours of the night. Hovering overhead was a full moon, a strange orange glow illuminating its normally white features. Torches filled the air, a small source of light, heavily paling in comparison to the millions of dots glittering overhead, microscopic eyes to the battle raging below.

A wooden stake flew towards the chest of an opponent, the poor mans weapon being dodged with ease. Others weren’t so lucky, a scream ripping through the air, too low to be heard, the battle cries of thousands filling the country side. Claws swiped through the air, blood covered fangs dripping blood down onto the faces of their victims, humans falling wasted onto the still bodies of vampires, the only time the race would ever be so close.

The ground shook fiercely, a wave of yellow light cast over the battlefield. In the three second attack, multiple horrified screams filled the air. Yuri didn’t waste time glancing back, knowing Khimaria had cast yet another spell. She almost began to wonder how long she could keep it up, quickly focusing back onto the fight at hand once catching the charging human in the reflection of her sharp shady blade.

Lithely dodging the blade meant to lop off an arm, Yuri spun neatly on her heel, katana plunging into the chest of the man. She kicked him off her weapon, slashing at an approaching soldier to her right. While she could have easily fought with nails or fangs, over the years she had grown fond of her specially made katanas, Letum and Lumen. Letum was her choice weapon for the evening, Lumen currently not in her possession.

He will give it back. He always does. Using that thought as a form of encouragement, with a roar she leapt forward, impaling what had to be her two hundredth victim for the evening. Her actions weren’t nearly as sharp as they had been earlier in the night but fighting without break did that to even the strongest of people.

A bountiful of soldiers came from a seemingly endless army of humans to replace the two she had fell in mere minutes. She smiled maniacally, a set of glistening white revealed as her eyes took on a tiger yellow psychotic hue, the rest of her features cloaked under the rich ruby red robe covering her body.

Slashing horizontally to the first wave, she danced away from a group of five, blade swiping across a row of faces. The humans erupted into a bevy of screams, some clutching to their eyes, crimson spilling through their fingers as they fell blinded to the floor. Picking up a downed human from the ground, she struggled with holding in her laughter at their suffering.

Smiling, her grip tightened on the face of the struggling man in her hand. “Die…” She extended her nails, five satisfying bursts blowing out the back of the man’s head. She began to savor the moment, only coming back to the heated battle at a familiar cry ringing through the air, a cry she had to deal with every other evening. Through narrowed eyes, she glanced to her left, a female vampire slipping gracefully through the air on her trip to the ground. “Ellestria!!”

The female fell to the body littered ground, a heavily bleeding soldier standing over her. Smiling, he prepared to ram a stake through her heart. With a sneer, Yuri dashed towards him, a flash of silver the only movement seen. He displayed no emotions as his arms lowered, half his face neatly sliding down to the ground.

Ignoring the dead man, Yuri immediately fell to her knees at the pale amber eyed youth before her. Her hair a strawberry blonde, she was no more than fifteen, an insignificant life to most. However, to Yuri it was her first sign for the evening, an eye opening revelation when her apprentice managed to be nearing death, a fatal wound by her heart. Yuri shook her head, resting her katana across her chest as she slipped her fingers through Ellestria’s.

Feeling the hand in hers, with an extreme effort, the amber eyed teen turned to Yuri. A weak tear slipped from her eyes, an apology on her lips. “…I am…sorry. I should…have, I…could have…did better-” A hacking cough came, she covering the blood expelling from her mouth with her spare hand.

“Shhh…” Yuri placed a finger to the dying vampire’s lips, shaking her head seriously. “You did very well for your first battle. I was not expecting you to do as well as you did for so long,” In truth, she was surprised at just how well her apprentice had done. She had hoped she would’ve stayed alive longer, then again, she had been teaching her in five years what it had taken her centuries to master.

Yuri rested a hand on Ellestria’s forehead, sullen at her successor’s death. Her dreams of becoming a wanderer were starting to fade, her races survival seeming hopeless. The thought angered and depressed her, grip tightening on the hilt of her weapon as her apprentice slipped away.

Her hold loosened as she heard it rather than saw it. The meticulous pull on a bow, arrow being aimed towards her bowed head. Catching the reflection of the bow wielder, her eyes fell down to her left hand. Gaze captivated by the blood red gem on her ring finger, she wasn’t sure whether to burst into tears or an insane round of laughter. She settled with nothing, feeling at a loss for words.

The wielder of the bow paused in firing, hesitant on releasing his bow. A toneless order left his lips. “Draw your sword.” Yuri moved her hand from her weapon, a low ‘no’ escaping her. The soldier inquired in the same neutral tone. “Will you not fight? Defend your life?”

Finding her voice after a long minute, Yuri replied. “I will not,” Lifting her face from the dead teen, she threw off her hood as she stared hard to the grey eyed man standing over her. “My life belongs to you…and if you truly feel I should die, I will not stop you from ending my life…” She allowed her words to linger in the air before breaking her intense stare with the man before her, eyes back to the dead Ellestria.

Stroking a damp strand of blond behind her apprentice’s ear, Yuri twitched slightly as the bow hit the ground. The arrow followed after, the shadow of the man completely shrouding her figure as he fell to his knees. Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her, embracing her tightly. She held a wide eyed expression. Her eyes soon closed, biting her lip as she held onto the grey eyed man tightly.

“I think I saw my life flash by. Though it was mostly filled with death so it was a little strange…” Yuri smiled weakly, the man running a hand through her hair as he laughed lightly. Shaking her head, her eyes wandered to the various dead surrounding her, voice coming out low. “Sage…” It was her nickname for the man, his real name longer than she saw fit. “Sage…this is crazy. What is the point of it all?”

He whispered down into her ear solemnly, hand roaming down her back. “Your annihilation.”

She laughed. “That was a foolish question. The stakes and holy armor should have given it away,” Yuri murmured sarcastically into his chest. To her dismay, her eyes started to grow glossy as she looked up to Sage. “What do we do from here?”

Sage was hesitant to voice his thoughts, grey eyes staring vaguely to the side. Finally able to stare Yuri in the eyes, he said, “We run. We escape from this war while we still have breath. We have to-” He stopped, closing his eyes. He seemed to have more to say but would disclose no more of what he knew.

Instantly, Yuri released him. She spoke strongly. “You run. I can not,” Her hand wrapped around the hilt of her sword. “I have to fight with my people…to the bitter end,” Getting on one knee, she stood up from the blood stained grass, katana aimed to Sage. “However, you must run.”

Standing up after her, Sage ignored the katana beneath his chin, hand sliding inside his cloak. He began to unsheathe his weapon, soon thinking better of it. He said calmly, “I will not run. If you wish to stay and fight this battle, I will be right by your side…to the bitter end.”

The katana came closer to his throat, Yuri’s voice chilled. “It was not a choice, it was an order. You must run…as far as possible from this scene. I will not, I can not risk your death,” Her voice started to quiver as he approached her. “You mean far too much to me, can you not see? As your-”

He cut her off with a passionate kiss, hands cradling her face affectionately. A few minutes passing the lovers by, he let go, staring down to her with a warm smile. “I know what you are to me and that is why I can not leave your side. Besides, I hold no worries over my life. You did say you would easily take any blade heading my way.”

“That I did,” smiled Yuri, pushing him back a few steps as to avoid an arrow shot her way. Feigning dismay, she crossed her arms, katana dangling from her fingers. “And what would be the use considering you would follow me as soon as I died. Pointless to protect you with my life if you will die to join me…” She slid off her cloak, handing it to Sage. “If you are going to turn from the human side, at the very least, disguise yourself, no?”

Taking the cloak, he started to put it on, only stopping at seeing Yuri’s attire. She wore a shimmering golden skirt, sides completely missing, a pair of super short shorts just visible beneath it. A golden top was in play, waist and trace cleavage revealed to the world. Averting his eyes to concentrate on fighting, he handed the cloak back. “I will go without disguise. For the love of…” He shook his head in disbelief. “Put it back on…please.”

*To be continued

(ooc: Part two...quite longer than I anticipated, the ending to THIS segment is bittersweet...but enough to give you a toothache. I'll finish this wartime flashback later...this'll have to do)

Dropping her jaw, she strengthened her hold over her katana, directing it to Sage once more. “And why, may I ask, should I do such a thing?”

His eyes widened as he exclaimed. “You are barely wearing anything at all. For the love of…you wear more to sleep than you are wearing now! It is bad enough I have to worry over your life but I should not have to worry over potential rape as well…”

Upturning her nose to her words, Yuri rolled her eyes. “That is a lie. First of all, I do not wear anything to sleep; you of all people should know that. Second of all, excuse it if I will not traverse back to the cave for a change of clothing. Third of all, I think I can take care of myself!” She declared, stomping a foot in her mini fit of rage.

“If you say so,” He put an arm through a sleeve, sighing at his attempt. He knew she’d be outraged at the idea but at least he tried. Closing the cloak around his armor, he let out his warrior’s tail, hiding his hair under the hood of the robe. Taking out a katana, the blade gave off a pale ethereal light.

Back to Yuri's, he kept his blade trained towards the slowly advancing soldiers, a smile playing across his lips. “Let us make this fun…shall we start a competition?”

“But of course,” Yuri grinned broadly, snapping her teeth towards a cowardly man. She glanced back to Sage with an arched brow. “First to five hundred…of course, I will win but will you try?”

“So confident…” His eyes glowed silver at the prospect of battle, a fang revealed every so often in excitement. He cocked his head, parrying the blow of the first combatant. “Deal.” He lunged his blade through a weak spot in the armor, the man falling down dead.

With a roar, the rest of the men jumped forward, quickly meeting their end with either Letum or Lumen, twin blades held by the fighting duo. Moving from the way of a stab, Yuri slashed diagonally to a lanky soldier, a forty two leaving her mouth as she slew the unsightly human. She glanced to Sage, a thirty leaving his mouth as he smiled toothily. She grinned, excited at the site.

He had improved vastly over the years but he’d never be on par with her even if he were vampire…in part. Yuri smiled guiltily; gracefully dodging a stake flung her way. It was a little secret she had been forced to keep, the turning of humans to vampires greatly frowned upon.

She had been in a rush to turn him, so much that, she had skipped a process, he becoming neither human nor vampire. He could stay in the sunlight and suffer no problems but at the same time, he held the ruthlessness of a vampire, willing to kill any and all who stood in his way. Back when she had changed him, they had been major adversaries so their current relationship was a repercussion even she couldn’t have foreseen…but held no regrets over whatsoever.

Clawing at her hundredth victim, Yuri turned a weary glance to Sage. He was still in form, blade movement invisible as he cut his way through the ranks of what had once been his men. Focus back on her opponents; she plowed through the ranks ahead of her, sword arcing through the air as she swiped at startled soldiers.

Hours into the battle, Yuri neared her three hundredth victim, slowly becoming out of breath. She moved the blade into her left hand, taking up a new fighter stance as a tall burly man swung a broadsword in her direction. Pushed back from the blow, she snarled, a vertical slash sent to the man. He blocked the blow, countering with a rabbit punch to the forehead.

Stumbling back, she shook away disorientation, a grin starting to form. He would be an interesting opponent…she’d count him as two, just for kicks. Leaping, she slashed repeatedly to the human, he quickly growing sloppy in his actions. So absorbed was she in her actions, she didn’t take the time to notice, the time to see the human taking aim from horseback, the big man a deliberate trap made to kill a vampire.

It was only when the spear had been thrown through the air did she note the weapon in the reflection of her opponent’s sword. She froze in her spot, blocking off a heavy swing to her front. Buckling under the pressure, she swore. It would be impossible to fend off the sneak attack; she would have to take it in whole.

Sparks flying as she slid her katana across the broadsword, she kicked the burly man away. Yuri turned to face her death, prepared to parry the blow or –most likely- die trying. However, what happened next, not even Yuri could understand. One minute, the spear had been on a collision course with Yuri’s heart, the next, a splatter was heard as Yuri’s attire was decorated with crimson…but none of it her own.

Her whole body fell numb, eyes away from the wooden spare and to the man standing before her. It was a weakly smiling Sage, the silver in his eyes dimming down to a grey, the spear near his heart causing a dark red to appear through Yuri’s robe. The sword slipped from her fingertips in her horror. “You fool…” She caught him as he fell; gently laying him down to the ground once she pulled out the weapon. Her vision grew muddled as she cradled his face. “You foolish foolish fool.”

They were the only words she could summon. He had saved her life, but the cost was too great, the blow fatal. And there was no way other than a miracle she would ever locate Airy in the pandemonium surrounding the scene. Loud laughter filling the air, she raised her head, turning a demonic glare to the burly distraction.

Stroking Sage’s cheek, Yuri moved to take her cloak from his body. “I will need this back if I am to fight properly, okay?” Her voice came feeble as he nodded his head. Forcing his hands to the wound, she removed Lumen from his hold, swallowing hard. “I will also need to borrow this but do not worry, I will give it back.” Conserving what little energy he had left, he nodded.

Yuri stood up to face the haughty soldier, Lumen and Letum in hand. Her strength returned in full with her rage. Seeing the vampire before him, the soldier laughed louder, the approaching death caused to Sage bringing overconfidence to his being. He raised his sword high in the air. “Let’s see what you can do, vampire.”

She wasted no words, reflexes lightning fast as she evaded a horizontal slash. Grinding her teeth, she pivoted in her step, striking both blades into the long sword, the human barely blocking the blow. She saw her problem immediately as she drove Lumen forward, soldier placing his sword in the way of the blow.

Moving fluidly from a sloppy strike, Yuri saw her opening. With a roar, she slashed downward. The unnaturally large broadsword fell to the ground…as did the rest of the soldier’s arm. He cried out in pain, red spurting out his shoulder socket in rapid succession. She cut off his wildly flailing second arm, impaling him through the chest apathetically. Closing her eyes, she beheaded the man, crimson streaming through the air fountain like.

It wasn’t good enough, it couldn’t make up for it. The pain starting to overwhelm her at the fate of her beau. Stepping away from the soldier, she stood by the dying Sage, eyes closed as mocking words reached her ears, laughter at her grief of a loved one. A solution coming to mind, the first words of the forbidden spell sinuously left her lips.

Through all her years of life, she had never seen the point in learning magic. That was better left to Airy and Khimaria, she being the brute force. However, she had learned one spell, dark and powerful. Its range was a half mile from all sides, effective only towards humans, an instant death striking all in its way. She had never bothered with it before as it only had a one time use…and in order for so many to be killed, a sacrifice was required…a death would have to happen…her life would have to end.

The point of living escaped her…her point of living dying on the ground. Finishing up on the last segment of the ancient spell, a pulse erupted from her position, rippling over the battle field. Her hair flew upwards, cloak billowing upwards in the sudden wind, vision fading to darkness as the spell went into effect. Her breath started to leave her, feelings slipping to shadow, body growing cold as death lovingly started to embrace her.

She fell down face forward, laying still for a minute until a cold realization struck her, disappointed her even. She was still alive. Fluttering her eyelids, her vision was a mess, images swirling and out of proportion. Digging her nails into the dampened soil, she concentrated, finally able to make out the abnormally pale face of Sage, a weak smile thrown in her direction, grey eyes glancing down to her hand.

Following his gaze, in her palm she found a blood stained rosary had been forced into her hand, the holy item nullifying the fatality effect in exchange for only humans within a quarter mile range dying. Her mouth opened but no words came, fresh tears surging past her cheeks. She whispered. “How could you…? Why did you not let me die?”

Looking to her as if the answer was the most obvious in the world, he smiled weakly, grey eyes to the stars. “Because…I wanted you to live…Yuri,” He started to ask a question, Yuri silencing him as she crawled over. She already knew of his unsaid request.

Placing her lips to his, she delivered one last kiss to her dying love, tears increasing as his hands played through her hair, the last time she would ever feel his touch. Once the movements of his hands grew dull, she reluctantly pulled her lips from his, tears decorating his face from her saddened hazel eyes. A slave to her rarely seen emotions, she burst into sobs, crying onto his neck in despair. She didn’t understand but she couldn’t help it, it was all she could do.

*To be continued...

Well if anybody plans or thinks Einari will be of any use to you in the future speak now or forever hold your peace

(ooc: Why don't you just keep him alive to be on the safe side? Anyways, I'll try to continue my flashback later. From there, it'll be the halfway point...no, not of the flashback! Of this whole long arse sidequest. When will it end...? That all depends...).

(Lol. I dunno this all just seems to be seperate stories, which is a bit pointless.)

Khimaria sat outside the mansion, she found it easy with a location spell, and even found the power in Laura to do a simple teleport spell, without even using herps, evidently Laura was getting stronger.

The mansion was as the text had said: It had a high wall around it, and the wall was crawling with runes, they told a tale of the spell that would be cast for one without the right blood, she wasn't quite sure what this meant but she looked at the wall, and committed some of the chains of runes to memory.

She instantly motived one rune, it was a Chinese looking symbol, it meant vampire, next to it linked were two greater runes of fire, one greater rune of light, and several other lesser runes of light, it also had one very specific rune linked on the end that made here blood curdle, it was a rune of tranquil water, rummer has it that a vampire that dies with even a drop of still water will have its spirit trapped in the water, meaning they couldn't die properly, just live trapped forever in the prison of water.

There was one with the sign of werewolf's too, it was a bit more simple, a lesser rune of earth and entrapment, and she could see a gun near the runes, doubtlessly loaded with a silver bullet. The wall was also covered in protection for creatures presumable summoned by mages past her time.

As Khimaria was busy committing the chains of runes to her memory something was coming together on the ground. It was a shadow of a beast with great claws and strong looking legs, slowly sucking things into it till it was the size of a large man. It silently started stalking towards khimaria with great discretion, watching the ground and being careful not to tread on any sticks, it creaped round behind khimaria and raised its left hand to strike her across the heart with its deadly claws, a blow that no creature of mortal flesh could survive, as it stopped to strike Khimaria shifted sideways to look at another section of the wall. The creature stopped to regain its composure, before repositioning itself next to khimaria, to make its blow again, this time Khimaria's sensitive ears picked up on something, she spun on the ball on he foot quickly, the see the shadow, it looked at her surprised and then instinctively ducked the punch she threw at him, rapidly she threw a few more, only one hit it, and it passed strait threw, a look of surprise covered khimaria's face, and the shadow took its change, it went for the hart, its hand passed through her ribs, and its claw like fingers griped around the heart and started squeezing.

Khimaria was in great pain, she it out, this time she made contact with the shadow and delivered a physical blow, but it wasn't enough, she couldn't breath now, and could tell it was only a matter of time till she passed out and her blood starved body died, an idea came into her head, it was dangerous but it might just work, she closed her eyes, screwing them up very tight, she slowly invoked the runes that were on the wall designed to kill a vampire, casting the physical pain to the back of her head as the took the mental strain from such a strong spell, from behind her eyelids she could see her world light up. It felt to her like she was a owl who had looked directly at the sun, after the great light she kept her eyes shut as she knew what was to happen. Her whole world became almost intolerably how, she could feel herself burning, but she ignored the pain, soon it was over and she looked around the shadow was gone and all that was left was a drop of water.

Khimaria slowly walked the long trek back to her cave, she was to exhorted to teleport, when she was pack in the cave she made her way to the underground lake, and drank from its pure waters before bathing it and falling in to a deep slumber while floating in the clear water.

Originally posted by Trickster
(Lol. I dunno this all just seems to be seperate stories, which is a bit pointless.)

(ooc: Here's the ending to my extra long flashback and...even if its a wee bit separate from everyone else for now, as long as someone's reading it, doesn't that matters a little bit? Anywho, w/o further ado....)

In place of the men who had fallen, hundreds came immediately from the ranks of the count’s gargantuan army, none seeming to notice or care over her weeping form. The men flew past, so many footsteps blending into one mighty trot, the battle shouts and death cries all an inhuman wail to her ears.

As the last men ran by, Yuri sat up from Sage’s neck, gaze to the ground, scanning the lifeless crowd decorating the scenario. It was all starting to confuse her, everything that had slowly sunk in disappearing with what little sanity she’d had to begin with. Her eyes fell on Lumen, blade sharp but so sweet. A wonderful end to a morbid world. But she could never end her own life and so, she would suffer the loss for as long as immortality granted her.

One of the last of the running soldier’s could be heard coming to a slow by her position. She almost got to her feet, instead putting attention back onto Sage. Stroking his hair behind his ear, she whispered. “I will be with you shortly…I promise,” She winced at the sound of a sword being unsheathed, the traditional staking method abandoned. A beheading would be her death blow for the endless night.

Whispers sweet, she smiled as tears left her eyes, attention solely on her fallen beau. Her smile faded somewhat as the glistening silver sword was placed to the side of her neck, soldier measuring from what angle he’d have to swing in order for a clean cut. She averted her eyes to shake away any fears over her choice, the blade being pulled back scrupulously. With a great effort, the heavy broadsword came zooming towards her neck. In a calm, she closed her eyes.

A breeze came along, sweeping her hair about, the sound of metal hitting metal echoing loudly to her front. Raising her head, she opened her eyes, a shadowy figure standing over her, just barely fending off the sword blow. She noticed a sort of smile curve the corner of their lips, the stranger coming to view. He shook his head. “I think now I have seen everything, Yuri. When the most bitter in our group towards humans almost allows one to end her life, I am confident nothing else can shock me.”

At once grateful, discontent came fast over the fact she still lived. Swallowing, she bit her lip. “Xzaar…” She shook her head, a shaking feeling building inside her chest. She struggled to hold it in, once the laughter escaped her lips, her sanity leaving with it. “…I…Xzaar…” Breathing heavily, she winced as the human and vampire began to face off.

Watching as Xzaar defended her life, Yuri sat emotionless at a shout heard from behind, a good dozen soldiers running up to face against Xzaar. He swung tirelessly, fueled by an unnatural passion to defeat them, Yuri stunned by it all.

The first wave easily dispatched, it wasn't until a second round was called forth when she glanced back to the man giving orders. Sitting on top of a chestnut brown horse, he seemed, like Sage, a Commander. The very same Commander that had attempted to end her life, he now trying to overwhelm Xzaar. Apparently, he had been out of the range of her spell, one she had neither the strength nor prowess to cast again.

Staring dully, Yuri turned back to the fighting Xzaar, twitching at the scratch given to him by an overzealous soldier. It bothered her to see him fighting, that he had saved her life and all she could do was watch as he continued to do so. She couldn't find her point, anything else she could do. She had no use.

Get up...

A whisper carried by the wind caused Yuri's brow to arch. She was going insane; at last her downward spiral into lunacy causing voices in her head. Hearing the whisper...no, order, a second time, her eyes darted back and forth, head turning wildly at the bodiless voice.

On her feet, Yuri turned about wildly, automatically evading the casual swing to an arm or leg. She started to speak, she wanted to shout, the slow torment of an invisible soul biting at her sanity. She closed her eyes, palms slapped to her temples. Why?! Why can I not be...is it, what must I do? There is no reason for it all! Why must I live...?

Opening her eyes, she bit her lip, vision hot. Her gaze wandered back to Sage, tears sliding down her cheeks at his beautiful pale form. Captivated, her eyes ventured down to something poking out from his back. Crouching down, she pulled from the back of his armor a worn red long bow. For some reason unbeknownst to her, he had named it Fury, even going so far as to engrave the name in Latin onto the side, a delicate procedure. Two arrows were left in the holder, the last of his reservoir.

Standing up, her vision began to clear. Fingering an arrow, her stare turned away from Xzaar, away from Sage, away from the comrades scattered about the field. A cruel yellow glare was directed towards the pony tailed blond on horseback. She had been wrong. She had but one purpose left before she’d willingly take her leave of the world.

“Revenge…” It left her lips in a low growl, her aura emitting a heart stopping chill. It wouldn’t bring him back…it wouldn’t make the pain stop, but, in its own small way, it would help. Raising the bow, hands shaking from her rage, she took careful aim to her horseback riding target, he distracted from a spell to his right.

Her eyes closed deep in concentration. Yuri’s style was purely melee, she to some extent, a novice at archery. Sage, on the other hand, had been godly with his bow, something foreseen even before his birth, hence the name Sagittarius. Sighing, her head jerked back some to avoid a bevy of arrows thrown her way, the Commander spotting her midway through her attack.

Grinding her teeth, tears brimmed the lids of her eyes, hazel livid with melancholy. She pulled back harder on the bow, aim steadying as she took a professional stance. Her voice quavering, she spoke bitterly. “This is for his fury…my love,” She choked on the last words, hold growing loose. “…Our shattered dreams…” Sobbing, tears flew past her cheeks as she closed her eyes, arrows flying from her hold.

Her first arrow spun with purpose to her target, pointed tip lodged instantly into the heart of the Commander riding horseback, not even a gasp able to leave him. Her second arrow had no individual target but rather, was an extension of herself, all the emotions that an eternity wouldn’t take away. It broke through the ranks of the army, cutting through soldier after soldier on its endless passage.

Watching the arrows zoom away, her body seemed to remember it had no energy. The spirit that had taken hold of her left, leaving her a wasted vessel. She fell to her knees, bow falling onto the still form of Sage. She had accomplished a small form of retribution though it wasn’t good enough. Nothing will ever be good enough…

A whistle was heard, an arrow heading for her dazed form. She didn’t bother to move, the only thing stopping her impending death being a sharp yank to her hand, arm almost popped out its socket at the ferocity of the tug. Pulled to her feet, she stumbled blindly after her savor, dazed hazel eyes locked onto the hand around hers.

Looking up to the vampire who had pulled her away, her disoriented gaze rested on Xzaar, he hurrying to pull her safety. Nearing the walls of the grotto, he gently leaned her back, examining her carefully with worry. Feeling a hand slide along her face, Yuri’s eyes lost their distant glossy demeanor, she staring down to her feet. She mumbled. “…why…”

Xzaar stopped, moving his hands from her slowly shaking form. “What? Yuri…why what?”

She was reluctant to answer. Fists starting to shake, she raised her voice. “Why…?” Finally looking up to Xzaar, she revealed the tears pouring down her cheeks. “Why did you not let me die?! Why did you rescue me? I do not, I can not, I do not want to live!” Throwing her head back to the sky, she watched as the stars became engulfed by the mists of morning. She pounded her fist back into the wall, anguished. “Gods, gods, gods, GODS! You do not understand…you will never understand!”

Legs unable to support her, Yuri slid down to the ground, chest aching from her tears, the pain devouring her soul. Growing dizzy, she only felt as Xzaar pulled her up, could only feel as he wrapped his arms around her, he confused by her emotions but unsure what to do about it.

At last, he spoke. “Yuri…I do not know what has taken place out on the battlefield and it is doubtful I will ever be given explanation. But whatever has happened, you can not let it affect you like so. You must clear it from your thoughts, focus on the battle at hand, forget whatever has happened if you wish to defend our kind to your full extent...”

Dilated eyes sealing shut, seconds soon turned to minutes. Minutes turned to hours, hours into days, horrific nights slipping into nothingness as Xzaar words broke through into her psyche, melting away her anger. She felt a tranquility start to take over, the last few hours growing hazy. Tears stopped, Yuri looked up to Xzaar, nodding puppet like to her fellow vampire. “You are right…” she droned out slowly in a voice unlike her own.

Xzaar broke away from the hug, forcing both Letum and Lumen into her hands. “Your blades…use them well.”

Yuri stared oddly to Lumen, the katana seeming foreign in her hands. Nonetheless, she wielded it deftly, both blades sparkling beneath the orange torches aligning the outer walls of the cave. Nodding, Yuri bowed her head slowly to Xzaar before turning back to the battle. With a roar, she slashed a bright eyed soldier, pain disappearing as he died at her feet.

Ring sparkling on her finger, she wondered where the gem had come from. Was it a chimera…something from a dream, a forgotten life perhaps? They were questions of insignificance, things she’d have to entertain later. Ignoring the bloodied hole in her robe, she took a deep breath. For now, all she could do was fight…her memories no more than a reverie gone astray…

~*~*~*~Back to reality~*~*~*~

Knees buried into the soft white snow, Yuri sat dumbfounded, a vague glossy stare in her eyes. She couldn’t remember if she had taken a breath or not, she couldn’t recall how long she was sitting. The only signs that she had been exposed to the winter weather far too long were the lack of feelings in her legs, shivers starting to erupt violently over her being as she came into a sort of consciousness.

Standing over her, Lucky’s breath came heavy, cheeks completely flushed from the effort of it all. His grey eyes were an ancient argentine, a tear starting to roll down his cheek. That memory in particular always hurt him, a cruel reminder of Sage’s selflessness, his devotion…his love for the female at his feet.

Quickly wiping away his tear, he forced a smile towards the stunned Yuri, breathe coming out cloudy. “In a nutshell, there you have it. Not only are your memories back but, the reason why you lost them to begin with.”

It was all too much for her to take in, too much to stand. She simply sat stunned, breath coming erratically, she forgetting how to breathe. Swallowing hard, Yuri turned her gaze to Lucky. “It was Xzaar…? He…he did this…to me?”

“Yeah,” sensing the danger caused by his one word response, Lucky elaborated. “Xzaar did do this to you but it wasn’t his intent. He had merely wished to find a way to bring back the old you but at the moment, your spirit was completely drained. You were more susceptible to his words than a young child.”

Getting onto a knee, Yuri dug her nails into her thigh, red warmth seeping through the leather. “Was it fated that you tell me this?” She stared hard to Lucky, emotionless. “That I know of my past?”

Lucky grew solemn, despite his next words to come, knowing the consequences of his actions would be steep. “Not all things are dictated by fate. You were not to know of your past for approximately another two hundred years but if you had wanted to stop me, you would have done so…” He checked his watch. “Twelve minutes ago. The effects of my territory could not be held as I pushed you back in time. By then, you were supposed to end my life.”

By then, Yuri had managed to get onto her feet. Five thin trails of crimson poured down her leg. Her voice came out colder than the winter air, fists shaking wildly. “Then tell me, why did you do such a thing? Why would you give me back my MEMORIES?!?” She roared, snow shaking off the rusted tackily painted fire escapes.

He winced at her words, the venomous glare thrown his way. Walking up to her, he grasped her face, looking down to her calmly as he explained. “Because…they are your memories. You have the right to them far more than I do. You have the right to know what went on in your life…” Letting her go, he stepped back. “What you wish to do with your future is strictly left to you. Goodbye Yuri…” He turned to walk away, sprinting calmly into the shadows.

It wasn’t until he had left her eyesight completely Yuri decided to correct him. “Goodnight, Lucky.” She had every intention of seeing him again, the information given to her not nearly enough. A low rumbling came from the skies, the lightest of drizzles falling down on Yuri.

Turning a weary stare upwards, her eyes watched the heavens cry, doing what she couldn’t yet bring herself to do, despite the memories eating at her emotions…despite the pain ripping apart her heart…

The bodyguard smashed through the window of the bar.

Inside, his partner smashed a fist into the side of Zechariahs' head. The vampire staggered, but as he recovered, the man's left hook found itself in a painful grip. Straightening, Zechariahs kept squeezing the hand he had stopped mid-punch. The cracking of his bones was announced by a yell from the heavyset, suited man, and Zechariahs let go, allowing the man to stumble backward. Will stood just behind his new boss, his eyes darting nervously around the room as if he expected the equally intimidated customers to launch an attack at any time.

"Do you all have to do that?"
Zechariahs spun around, looking straight at the speaker,
"I mean, come on, so maybe the first time I didn't realise what you guys could do, but twice?"
"What?" Zechariahs asked, his face an expression of disgust, "Twice?"
"Yeah, first that Yuni girl. Now you? Just tell me what you want," the criminal named D'Angelo replied. All over the bar people were leaving in expectation of a fight, whilst a few were ordering extra drinks to prepare themselves for it. "Take a seat, and we'll talk about whatever it is you want with Will."
Zechariahs regained his composure and sat down, pulling a chair from a nearby table.
"So, what is it you want?" asked D'Angelo.
Smiling slightly, Zechariahs replied, "Being rude will only get you some relief. First, I wish you to repel Will of his debt..."
"Done," cut across the crime boss.
Snarling, Zechariahs kept talking, "Secondly, I want you to compile for you a list of the biggest criminal organisations. Barring yours, of course."
"Why, may I ask?"
"I am going to take one over. I want it to be rich."
"Consider it done. I'll have it done by tomorrow. Leave Will here, and he can find you with it."
"As you say, you will have it done by tomorrow," Zechariahs stood and left, a smile creasing his face as he pushed open the door.

A heavy pounding was heard to the front, apartment door threatened to shake off its copper hinges. Combined with the downfall of rain and the muffled clapping of thunder, it made for a rude awakening to the former drummer of the black heavy metal band.

Startled, he jumped out of bed, rubbing the sleepiness from his fuzzy vision. On his dresser, the red LCD lights of the small platinum alarm clock flashed 12:53, minutes to one. Cursing, he dragged himself out into the carpeted hallway, peeking into a corresponding room.

The room was heavily shaded, blinds drawn to keep out the occasional lights from passing vehicles. The bed had been made in a rush, personal items scattered along the dresser, closet door left open. Judging from the look of the room, his roommate had left in a rush and hadn’t been home for the past few hours.

The banging continued, door dangerously close to being torn from its frame. The shock from the persistence of the stranger brought his full attention to the weakening entrance. He began to wonder if his roommate had been careless enough to leave his keys…then again, his roommate had common sense and wouldn’t have resorted to breaking down the door.

Walking apprehensively, his reflection in the mirror reassured him. At 6’9’’, he had little to worry about if confronted by a late night crazy wandering the complex. He fingered the newly implanted fangs attached to his teeth with distaste. And if his height wasn’t intimidating, the canine teeth would more than likely add onto the scare factor.

The hammering suddenly stopped, the silence of the night wading through his apartment. Rain fell lightly against the crystal clear glass panes of the windows, the once clear sky heavily cloaked under blankets of grayish blue mist. It was the beginning of a coming storm, an omen for how the next few days would play out.

Taking a breath, he swung open the door, mouth prepared to swear to whoever had disturbed his sleep. A breeze was felt, a blur passing by before he made a realization. The halls were empty, not a living soul visible. Looking back and forth, he found a few footsteps going down the hall. In front of his door was a pool of water…but the stranger who had made the tracks…and the puddle he’d have to take care of before the arrival of maintenance in the morning (he scowled at the thought)…but the stranger was nowhere in sight.

Shrugging off his unease, he quietly started to close the door. A female voice from behind him nearly caused him to slam his fingers as well. “I never imagined this is how your domicile would look. I pictured ‘all black’ if you honestly want to know.”

Jumping around, he found a soaking wet raven haired female analyzing a picture on a polished table. Face hidden by her hood, she tilted her head at feeling the stare thrown her way. “Do not be so surprised, Dante. You would think I was a ghost…” Peeling off her jacket, she hung it up on a hook. “…Or some creature of the night…a vampire even.” Turning his way, she revealed a toothy smile.

“I…Yuri…” Dante stared in shock, glance going back and forth between the door and the female. Finally, he rested his gaze on the woman. “How the f**k did you get in?!”

“Language, Mr. Drummer,” Walking past the giant of a man, Yuri casually strolled into the kitchen, an arrogant air around her being. Opening the fridge, she bent over, searching the contents of the cool box. She sighed, finding a lone open bottle of Heineken. “And to answer your question, I walked in. It was not too hard…” Putting her eye over the opening, she frowned, head snapping up. “Why is the scent of Orion here?”

“Roommate,” answered Dante. He attempted to snatch the bottle from her hand, Yuri gracefully moving out of reach. She held the green glass up to the lights, hazel eyes glossy in avid wonder. Dante narrowed his eyes. “How did you know where I live? No, scratch that, why are you here?”

Taking a swig of the beer, Yuri let the liquid swish over her tongue. Resting the Heineken on the counter, she propped herself onto the counter, feet just managing to skim the floor. “I believe I will answer that first question. I happened to be in the area and the scent seemed familiar so I followed. Funny how I find you…and Orion?”

“He lives here but he’s not here right now. Out doing something…” He waved it off as a trivial matter, folding muscular arms over his chest. He grew suspicious. “And I notice how you haven’t answer my second quest-”

“About three nights ago, where were you?” Yuri innocently interrupted. She picked up the beer bottle, swirling its contents enchanted. “It is a simple enough question that I need answered. Though, I can tell if you lie so please…don’t. Then again, you should not need to fabricate a story…not unless you have some…skeletons in your closet?” At her last words, she looked up from the bottle, eyebrow arched.

Not sure whether to think it coincidence the night Yuri had asked about, after a moment, he responded cautiously. “I was here…didn’t do anything special that evening.”

Finishing the Heineken, Yuri took aim to the black trash bin. “And what of Orion?” She took a shot, the bottle landing neatly into the garbage.

“Why do you want to know?” questioned Dante coolly.

“Defensive,” chuckled Yuri, a forced laughter leaving her lips. Smiling endearingly, she hopped off the table, hands behind her back. She strutted up to Dante, blinking innocently. “If I did not know better I would say you were…touchy over the matter,” Her nails were slowly lengthening behind her back, Yuri now up to drummer. “Let me try again, hmm? I know of your whereabouts…now where was Orion?”

“Out driving with a friend of his…though when he gets back, you could ask him yourself,” Head turning to the clock hanging above the stove, his look said it all. He wouldn’t and didn’t need to answer any more of her questions. Revealing an artificial fang, he towered over the vampire as he asked in a dangerous tone, “Now…WHY are YOU here?”

Yuri stared hard up to the drummer before breaking off the stare. Stretching her hands upwards, she ran her fingers through her drying hair. “Came from an assassination. I wish to freshen up a bit. When I’m covered in blood and sweat, it should not be from a hunt,” She laughed a bit, her humor sounding…warped, off even. Glancing back, she lowered her head, asking quietly. “Please tell me you have a shower…”

“Down the hall,” directed Dante. He watched curiously as she dragged her footsteps across the carpet, the confidence in her step all but gone.

Closing the bathroom door, Yuri kicked off her shoes, wriggling her toes as she tried to force feeling into them. The smile she had had with Dante disappeared, a distant lost hazel in place on an emotionless face. She unconsciously pulled off her damp leather pants, throwing her wet shirt to the bare towel rack. Throwing her bra and underwear to the floor, she stepped into the shower, figuring it out in a few minutes.

Allowing the steaming hot water to defrost her frozen body, Yuri threw back her head, closing her eyes in thought. Reaching for the soap, she started to scrub viciously to her skin, legs, hands, waist, neck, face…she stopped there, her cheeks becoming tender. Soap suds coating her complexion, a salty drop slid down her cheek.

Dropping the soap, she stared up to the ceiling, several tears following the first. A quivering sigh escaped her, shoulders shaking. “Is it so horrible…? Should it feel so wrong?” She choked, lowering her head. “Is it bad…if I cry…just once?” Shaking her head, she placed her hands to her forehead, trying to find some way to control herself. Nothing helped, no comforting thoughts, no calming ideas, each memory causing a fleeting happiness before a horrible pain struck.

Sobbing silently, she fell to her knees, shoulders shaking violently in her misery. Biting onto her knuckles, she muffled her cries as best as she could, the emotions she had felt centuries ago increased tenfold in her human body. Feeling pathetic in a half hours passing, she swallowed up the last of her tears before switching off the shower. Finding nothing to dry off with, she slipped on her underwear and bra, figuring it would suffice.

Swinging open the door, Yuri jumped back startled, Dante preparing to knock. Politely turning his gaze away, he extended a towel to her. “Thought you might need this.”

Finding her voice, she murmured, “Thanks.” Taking the towel, she wrapped it around her waist. Picking up her clothing, she felt a frown form at a stare received from Dante. She raised a brow apathetically. “Yes?”

“Your eyes,” Watching as she folded up her clothes, he grew bemused. “They’re bloodshot.”

“Allergies,” automatically responded Yuri, tightening the towel around her waist. Brushing past him, Yuri scanned the apartment for a suitable area, Dante’s voice cutting through her thoughts.

“Must’ve been the potpourri in the bathroom...” he mused quietly.

“Yes…” said Yuri warily, not certain what potpourri was.

Dante continued in a mixture of sarcasm and confidence. “…Yes, it must’ve been the non-existent bowl of potpourri in the bathroom. That HAS to be it.”

The idea of slitting his throat crossed Yuri’s mind, blood decorating the walls of the apartment. But not even that thought brought her excitement, nothing no longer did. She stared ahead stone faced. Hearing Dante take a step forward, she swung a hand back, elongated nails inching near his throat.

“Stay…back. As the potpourri was non-existent, as am I. As far as it is concerned I was never here…” Yuri glared back to him under a reddened hazel eye. “And I will be gone before morning.”

Dante feigned laughter. “That’s funny, cause you make it sound as if you’re staying here…and you’re not.” He pointed out flatly.

Lowering her arm, Yuri rolled her eyes. “Like you have a choice,” She turned to face him fully. “Tell me, did Orion ever find out who truly killed Vorgal? I am curious to know.”

The opening of his Colt was instantly drilled into her forehead. “I never asked you to kill him in the first place. And I’ll be damned if you hold it over me as blackmail,” He cocked the gun, a bold move. “I should shoot you where you stand.”

Unperturbed by his threat, Yuri stared blankly to the cold metal barrel. A grin crept along her lips, a small giggle escaping. She soon burst into laughter, lowering her head to hide any approaching tears. She hadn’t reached the point where anybody else would see her cry; she hadn’t yet stooped so low.

Brushing away any tears, she whipped her head up to the bewildered Dante, gulping to catch her breath. “Believe it or not, you would be doing me a favor.” She lost her smile to show her seriousness over the statement, gun still aimed to her forehead.

Gritting his teeth, Dante lowered his gun, motioning to a plain door on the side. “Take the sofa. Sheets are in the closet,” Shaking his head, he holstered his gun, heading to his room. “When I wake up, you shouldn’t be here. Deal?” He stopped at his door.

Yuri had already bundled up with whatever she could find, towel folded and on the ground. Lying down, back to Dante, she nodded. “Deal.” She switched off the lights, not even flinching as Dante’s door slammed. Sighing, she closed her eyes, hoping sleep would greet her soon….

(ooc: …longer than I wanted it to be and the ending was a little blah but it should do….yes, it will do for now…)

(ooc: Hmm…sorry I haven’t posted in a while but I realized I probably might not be able to execute all my ideas like I’d originally intended. What with the days not adding up, etc, yaddi yadda, it wouldn’t make sense {but it woulda been fun}. Anywho, I can’t just leave this side quest of sorts as is so I’ll finish up most of what I can and from there see what happens…)

Shifting on the navy blue sofa, Yuri flickered her eyelids at the trace amount of light touching her face. Opening her eyes cautiously, she stared out the window opposite her to the sky painted a deep shade of cerulean. Squinting, she sat up from the sofa, estimating the time as she stretched lazily upwards to the ceiling. Approximately four in the morning…or a quarter to five.

Letting out a loud yawn, she collapsed back onto the sofa, wrapping the bundle of sheets tightly around her. It was a chilly morning, she was exhausted, and the last thing on her mind was running out the house and back to the chill weather of outside. But I DID make a deal…and I do not need Dante riding on my ass over the issue.

Chuckling at the very idea of the drummer even making a complaint, Yuri got to her feet, extending her arms upward as she walked about the house. She figured she could at least get herself something to munch on before she left. Toasting a plain bagel found in the pantry, she slid into her pants and shirt, eyes shifting to the far left, to the open door near the end of the hall, to the vacant room near the bathroom door.

Orion’s door… Catching the bagel as it ejected from the toaster, she didn’t bother with butter, popping the plain toasted sourdough into her mouth. Shoving her foot into her right sneaker, she started on the left, hopping quietly to the open door. She couldn’t help it, she was curious.

Suspending her foot mid-air as she tied her laces, Yuri knocked the door open wider with her shoulder, wincing at a slight squeak. Taking a bite of the bagel, she hissed quietly to the copper hinges of the door. “Do NOT do that!” Rolling her eyes in annoyance, she stepped onto the carpet, an eerie calm in the vacant room.

The room was untouched, a cold neglected gloom surrounding the area. As it would seem, Orion hadn’t been home all night. “Wonder what it means…” With a scowl, Yuri swiped her fingers along the bureau, eyes passing over various items and clothing around his room.

Her nose twitched, a familiar scent in the air. She frowned. “Where have I smelled that…?” She couldn’t identify the scent nor could she tell the place where it was emitted from. Standing by the frame of the bed, she inhaled deeply, taking in the aroma of it all. Eyes closed in concentration, they slowly opened, hazel glaring to the closet door, a crack of darkness visible in the ajar door.

“What have we here…?” Crossing over the bed, Yuri nearly sprinted to the closet, intent on finding out the scent luring her in. Hand reaching for the knob, she winced at a booming voice from the doorway.

“What are you doing in Orion’s room? Weren’t you supposed to be gone by the time I woke up?” The drummer rubbed the sleep from his eyes, waiting for a response.

Arching her brow, Yuri wrapped her hand around the handle. “That I was.” She began to pull.

“Then why are you still here? Don’t tell me you’re infatuated?” chuckled Dante.

“Unlikely,” Yuri let go of the handle, a sneer along her face. Her expression soon softened. “Or perhaps that is just it…” Dante gained a bemused but cautious face at her words, Yuri’s active expression being apathy. The last comment had slipped out by accident, she having no idea what it meant herself.

Shrugging her thoughts away, Yuri backed away from the closet. Robotically, she faced Dante. “I am sorry, we did make a deal. I will be going now.” Brushing past him, she swiftly exited the apartment and out to the cool streets of the city. Shivering, she walked molasses slow, silently cursing herself at her actions. She hadn’t backed down because of Dante. It was more…no, it was exactly…it was exactly because she feared what she’d find behind door number one.

Still cursing herself, she found her legs had gained a mind of their own, turning automatically up a mud stained path, flower beds flooded with rainwater. Pulling out her key, Yuri blinked, mildly surprised that Simone’s home was so close by. Stealthily opening the door, she had hoped to avoid confrontation with any of the youth’s eccentric parent’s. However, to her disquiet, she had bumped straight into her mother.

The woman, at first, stared, confused at her identity. A sheepish smile spread across her lips once she began to recognize her daughter. Scratching the bun in her head, her green eyes blinked curiously. “Hun…where’ve you been?”

“Since when do you care?” retorted Yuri coldly, arms crossed.

Her mother’s smile started to diminished, curious eyes replaced with a stunned haze. “Hun, what makes you think I don’t?”

Yuri’s eyes widened. “I’ve been gone for how long?!” She counted on her fingers. “One, two, almost a week now? You did not answer my question, since when would someone like you care?”

The glow in her eyes faltered, smile starting to vanish. “Simone…hun…I DO care. I,” The briefcase slipped from her hand, the mother biting at her fingernails. She shrugged, eyes growing glossy. “I’m doing, I’m just giving you your personal freedom-”

“Personal freedom?!” Yuri was in a state of disbelief, hazel eyes livid as she threw her arms out. “There is a difference between personal freedom and not giving a good god damn! I have been missing for a week, I have not called, and the last time you saw me I was with a man that I had not even know for twelve hours let alone a day and you were suggesting I SCREW him!?!”

“But I-” The mother swallowed hard on the verge of tears, shoulders quivering. “You know its bec-”

“Because what?” Yuri stared into the woman’s eyes, hazel eyes remorseless. “Tell me, why would you act so? What am I-”

ENOUGH!!!!! Simone’s voice roared through her mind, the youth’s earlier silence broken at the scene. She lowered her tone some before continuing. Stop…please. I understand you feel like shit but that doesn’t mean you have to make others feel the same way…especially my mother. She has her reasons for how she treats me…does it mean you have to break her?

Yuri analyzed the woman heavily. Sure enough, her shoulders had started to shake, gaze down to the ground as she hugged herself, several sorry’s leaving her form. Biting her lower lip, Yuri stepped up to the woman, taking her in her arms. Cradling her to her chest, Yuri stared to the kitchen door as the mother decorated her shoulder with tears.

I take it there is something you have not told me about your family, Simone? Mused Yuri, scanning the multiple pictures making up the wall. She sighed, attention back to the sobbing woman. “I am sorry for my behavior, I had no right to treat you as such,” Rubbing her back, she grimaced at the next words to exit her mouth, knowing it would cheer her up somewhat. “I have been busy this past week but if it’s any small comfort, I have not screwed Xornon…” She grinded her teeth with narrowed eyes. “…Yet.”

Almost instantly, the mother’s tears dried up. Pulling away from Yuri, she looked up to her hopefully. “But you plan to…?” She smiled a bit, wiping away the last of tears. “And when you do, you’ll be all grown up…always my little girl but you know?” She chuckled a bit. “Then from there marriage, kids-”

“Chill,” Yuri shook her head, making the cut signal with her hand. Gritting her teeth, she forced a smile. “Not all that…you are thinking far ahead…way too far ahead.” Yuri shuddered at the very thought.

“Oh, right,” Picking up her briefcase, her mother laughed lightly. “Well, you can hope you don’t have kids but it’s bound to happen-”

Over my dead, mutilated body…

“-so when it does be glad you were forewarned,” teased her mother, in higher-spirits over Yuri’s false words. Checking her watch, she tsked. “This’ll be my third day late if I don’t be careful. Darn…sorrel’s in the fridge, last night we had take-out so you’re on your own for breakfast.” Kissing her forehead, she flew out the doorway, but not before throwing a bye over her shoulder.

Watching Simone’s mother speed out the driveway, Yuri shook her head, completely mystified over her behavior. “Weirdness…”

*~*~*~*~*~*~

Stepping out the relaxing torrent of steaming water, Yuri stood in front of the medicine cabinet, feet snuggled deeply into the midnight blue rug. Leaning closer to the foggy mirror, she supported herself with the help of the porcelain faucet, bathroom door locked tightly.

Wiping away the mist covering her reflection, Yuri stared hard to herself. Gaze wandering upwards, she drew a name into the glass, an inward groan of distaste heard from Simone. Don’t tell me you like him?

I said no such thing, Yuri narrowed her eyes, underlining the name. She wrote it again, this time in script. Back there…in his room. I think…no, I know, I know I missed something. I should have been more thorough with my investigation. She slapped her palm against the glass, turning away from the name bitterly. I was foolish. I should have found out…what skeletons he had in his closet. Surely there was something.

Maybe if you checked his closet, you’d know… Her tone grew mocking. Don’t tell me you think Mr. Turn you from the dark side is behind the rape of your target?

Anything is possible.

Yeah… Simone’s tone grew flat. But its funny when I suggested that same idea I got shut down. Yeah, what the hell is up with that?

Ringing out her hair, Yuri scowled. “Because you had no significant evidence to back up the claim hence why I could not say you were right,” She sighed, skilled hands braiding her hair. “Like I said, any bloody thing is possible. But to make sure, I can always find Lucky. Have him look into things.”

I take it that’s not the only reason you wanna find old grey eyes. Hoping he can enlighten you as to what’s your connection to him. Doubt you’ll be gentle though…

Wrapping a towel around her body, Yuri smirked coldly. “You know me too well…”

Yuri scanned the crowd of sweaty dancers in the crowded club, a look of content covering her normally stony features. She wasn’t in the best of moods but as the day breezed past, she had over gone an epiphany of sorts. She realized though she wanted to find out from a reliable source if Orion had any involvement with her target’s rape, if she dared, she could find out on her own. This, therefore, made Lucky’s life forfeit…and she was more than willing to end his life.

Recalling where he had previously worked was easy enough but locating his scent in the musky sweet club had been somewhat of a burden. She raised her brow at the music playing, the lights toned down from their neon blue hue. They had been changed to a mixture of red and orange, the techno that had once roared through the club replaced with R&B.

Nodding her head to the beat of a song, Yuri turned a casual glance to the bar. A man with shady glasses poured Strawberry Alize into a green eyed woman’s glass, far too much red lipstick dabbed on her lips. Showing distaste at the tacky state of her makeup, Yuri returned her attention onto the dance floor, a gleaming silver face catching her attention. Squinting in her attempt to make sense of the sight, she shook her head. It wasn’t the face she had seen but instead, the multiple piercings in their skin.

Cracking her left knuckles with her right hand, she briefly wondered if her ring could withstand the blow. She kissed the gem, heels clicking determinedly on the polished ash wood floor, hazel eyes glued to the dancing bartender on break. She felt herself grow irate, an unnatural anger surging through her being. Almost nothing else was good enough…nothing else would satisfy her but her teeth tearing through his neck.

Must be your lucky night… Dancing with a laughing brunette, Lucky didn’t seem to care much, killing the time on his much needed break from serving others. Arching her brow, Yuri reached out, lightly tapping the smooth material of a loose long black sleeve shirt. He turned towards the source, eyes displaying surprise at seeing Yuri. They soon displayed shock as she reared back her hand, fist slamming hard into his right cheek.

Caught off guard by the move, he plowed through the crowd, back slamming hard into a baby blue wall. He groaned from the impact, sliding down to the floor. He knew she’d come back eventually…but he hadn’t expected her so soon. He spit out a glob of saliva and blood, a coppery flavor in his mouth. He rubbed his undoubtedly bruised cheek. Nor had he expected for the blow to hurt so god damn much.

Rolling out the way of her unseen charge, he sprung to his feet, wincing at her next move. Her fist had made contact with the lower portion of the wall, debris lightly decorating her heels from the melon sized hole made where his head once rested. He shoved a cig between his lips. “I restore your memories and in return nearly get knocked the **** out. Aren’t you grateful?” He couldn’t help but be sarcastic.

Watching as he lit a match, she sneered. “First of all, cut the-” The scratching of a disk blocked out her curse, the music switching onto a upbeat yet strangely luring R&B song. Ignoring the music and the smile tempted to come from it, she pointed to the man, a small crowd developing. “Keep in mind I had no intentions for you to restore my memories. You gave me no fair warning over what I would experience, and screw off; I was on my knees, in the snow-”

“Pause,” subconsciously interrupted Lucky, taking a drag.

“-It is not like I had a choice in the matter,” fumed Yuri, eyes locked with the calm blond before her.

He waited for a minute, a stream of smoke escaping his nose. “Are you done yet?” Knocking ash from the cigarette to the ground, he pointed the cig to Yuri, expressing a mixture of annoyance and contempt. “Like I said, they are YOUR memories, like it or not, you have a right to them, good or bad. Second of all, you made the choice. You could have easily killed me once the first image streamed through your mind.”

“And THAT’S why I’m here…” lithely waving her fingers about, Yuri held back the urge to bare her fangs. She swung her French braid behind her, smirking at his expression. “Oh come now? Do not tell me you have forgotten? You are my target and I have yet to kill you. A duel to the death…with me? You should be honored…” She smiled maniacally, stepping closer to the startled man.

Regaining his composure, Lucky blew a cloud of smoke upwards. He knew she’d come by though he hadn’t foreseen the why’s to her arrival. His eyes gained an argentine hue. Grinding his teeth, he mumbled beneath his breath, an indistinguishable change devouring the area from where he stood.

Flicking away the cigarette, he closed his eyes until positive the silver had dulled down in the crowd of confused spectators. Opening a grey eye, he spoke calmly. “Yuri…I can not kill you. Hell, I can’t even fight you. This is madness and you know it.”

Shrugging, Yuri took another step, voice condescending. “Well, I guess you should have thought of that before you ****ed with a madwoman, hmm?” Breaking off into a sprint, she lunged at the bartender, catching a drunken clubber in the side of the shoulder. What the hell…? They had come from literally nowhere, oblivious to the start of her fight.

Pushing them from her way, Yuri started on her second charge, eyes widening as she missed the bartender. Hands pocketed, he dodged her assault with ease, predicting where her blows would land in advance. Slowing her fist as another clubber stumbled past her view, she let out a frustrated scream, knowing his name wasn’t as much of a screaming irony as she had originally deduced. The bastard really was lucky.

Or…

Performing a punch to his jaw, she found her knuckles landing into a briefcase picked up off a small glass table. Yuri shook her head. It is not luck. She punched again, a glint of silver seen as he stepped behind a drinking clubber. Slowing her strike, she shoved the woman roughly from her way, glowering heavily.

She shouted above the music. “Something you forgot to mention about your territory?!” In a fit of rage, she grabbed a table, flinging it towards the bartender. It slammed into in back of him, hitting various liquors at the bar. She grinded her teeth. “Some bullshit ability you just so happened to have?!?” She stopped in her step, breathing heavily.

“I didn’t forget to mention it,” he smirked, brushing shards of glass from his shirt. “You just never asked…but here’s a hint. I’m not called ‘Lucky’ for kicks.” Watching as Yuri picked up a bottle of Absolut, he sighed, hands running tiredly through his hair. “Yuri…there’s no way outside of a miracle you’re going to win this. Give up while you can.”

In response, a sharp brow arched, a black lighter being pulled from her pocket. “Blow me…” She took a mouthful of the strong alcohol, a small flame nearing her lips. Puffing out her cheeks, a makeshift flamethrower left her lips, spectators screaming horrified to avoid the fire tearing through the night club.

Lucky stepped out of range, shaking out his hand at a minor burn received. He hadn’t been expecting that much from the livid vampiress. Kissing at his singed hand, he widened his eyes as the flames died down, a startling thought coming to mind. The fire had been but a diversion. Watching as the vampire charged his way, he grimaced at what his next course of action would be.

Forgive it, but it was in self-defense.

Catching Yuri as she started to lunge a clawed hand, Lucky threw her behind him and onto the bar. Rebounding off the bar table, she landed gracefully onto the other side, whipping back her braid from her vision. She cracked her neck, the tip of her canines visible. She began on her attack, stopping at a shout.

“And what the HOLY HELL is going on here?” Both fighters turned in the direction of the voice, a man in a crisp black business suit clearly shocked. Growing red at the screaming customers and the shattered liquors, he stared dangerously to Lucky. “WHAT is going on? Who the hell is she?!?”

Lucky kept his gaze fixed on Yuri, hands searching a small circular table. “Girlfriend…we’re having a small argument. Now’s not the time for explanation.”

“I don’t give a rat’s ass what it’s about!” Exclaimed the man, banging a fist hard on the table. He aimed a finger to the exit. “Take care of your business outside of MY bar or in your own god damn home-”

“Oh, oh no,” murmured Yuri, shaking her head sad-eyed. She glanced to the manager, nails elongated in full. “I need a witness. Somebody has to identify his corpse.”

“Oh really?” The manager was too enraged at the state of his bar to be wary. “And what gun are you putting to his head?”

Yuri turned fully to face the man, a hint of confusion revealed. “Who needs a gun?”

The manager clutched onto his heart woozily at her next action, a bottle of imported wine broken over the bar table. Pointed edge leering in Lucky’s direction, the manager extended a ringed finger towards his employee. He shouted horribly. “EVERYTHING you two have broken inside MY bar is coming out of your paycheck!”

Moving out his defensive stance, Lucky dropped his jaw. He didn’t need to search the area; he knew the extent to the damage. He pointed to himself. “I, I have to pay for this? It’s more than I make in a month!”

“Pay or you’re fired!”

Lucky snorted in ludicrous, throwing a pair of keys in the manager’s face. “I f**king quit…” He glared back to Yuri with mixture of appreciation and annoyance. “I would thank you right now for getting me out of this dead end job if you weren’t thinking of ways to kill me as I speak.”

Yuri smiled flattered, none of the cheerfulness reaching her eyes. “I am touched…not even a week and you know how I think.” Leaping over the table, she ignored the sound of a door slamming shut, slashing horizontally across Lucky’s neck. He evaded the move, preparing himself for a series of attacks from the vampiress.

Twitching at her tenth move being parried, Yuri bared her fangs, struggling to keep reigns over her fury. She growled in her anger. “The lowest of the low,” Upturning her lip in disgust, she noticed the bartender raise a pierced brow. She slashed, he backing away. “I will not repeat myself…coward. You can not even strike me, all you do is dodge and even worse is your dependence over some divine gift given. Can you not defend yourself on your own?”

The normally pale man was growing flushed, emotions disappearing in his developing irritation. Yuri narrowed her eyes, a cruel smile forming at her careful manipulation. “I am not disappointed though. I would expect nothing less from a human such as yourself. Tell me, were you my minion? My helpful little slave?”

A knock to her jaw was received over her last comment, Yuri stumbling back surprised. The bartender could pack a punch. Swallowing the little amount of blood in her mouth, she analyzed the fuming man, amused.

Shaking out his bruised fist, he grabbed Yuri as she lunged, knocking the broken bottle from her hand. Swinging her around, she fell onto a table, spinning away from a punishing blow to the glass table. He had tried to negotiate; he had tried to be rational. But the slave comment had irked him…mainly because of what had been wished upon him.

Removing herself from the circle of glass that had once been the table, Yuri attempted a back kick, wincing at a tug to her braid. She lowered her leg, clutching onto the barkeep’s shirt. With a roar, she threw him from her hair, knocking him into a navy blue door. Quickly following after her self-labeled prey, she flew into the room, punching him hard into the door on the opposite end of the storage closet.

Recovering immediately, he backhanded Yuri, sending her into shelves of cardboard boxes. She nibbled at her numbing lip, a cutthroat appearance in play. “It is no surprise you managed to hit me. This is, after all, your territory. Anything you say goes…even if that means an unfair advantage. Doubt you could-”

“Cut the crap,” interrupted the bartender, hands in a prayer position. He glared to her. “I was going to be rid of it regardless of your words. I’ve been nice enough but now, frankly, I no longer give a damn over what's expected of me,” Briefly whispering, an invisible change swept over the area. Satisfied, he tossed his shirt onto a small wooden table in the corner. He wasn’t about to risk Yuri tearing it to shreds. Bracing himself, he sneered. “Your move.”

Before the last word could even leave his mouth she was upon him, nails swiping through the air where he had once stood. Making a slitting motion, she scratched him lightly on the chest, a punch to her stomach received in turn. Unfazed by his move, Yuri dug her nails into his shoulders, swinging him onto the table in the room. She shook her head in derision, crossing her arms. “Pity…without your ability you are anything but lucky,” She ran up to him, squeezing his throat in a vice grip. She arched her brow, raising back a clawed hand. “Only human.”

She moved to rip out his throat, surprised at Lucky’s free hand snatching her wrist mid-attack. He threw her into the door, grey eyes almost glowing in his rage. He had enough of Yuri’s words, enough of her. He quickly walked up to her, again, grabbing her hand before she could assault him. Slamming that hand into the door, he did the same with the second offending arm, glaring down to the vampiress coldly.

Yuri squirmed violently in his hold, snapping her teeth to the apathetic human. She winced as he knocked her back into the door, after a few minutes, working free a hand. He swiftly managed to grab hold of it, binding both her arms at her chest while his arms wrapped around her form.

He wasn’t sure what he was going to do with her…pushing her off a building seemed more effective than anything else. She started to curse; he slammed her back into the door once more. But with that simple move came back something he had lost since her first successful swipe. His logic. Staring down to Yuri, he realized whether it was her intentions or not, if the battle didn’t stop there, it would develop into something more.

Closing his eyes, Lucky gulped, slowly releasing the struggling Yuri. She looked up to him bewildered, becoming wary as soon as his hands cradled her cheeks, angling her face upwards. She blushed, growing dizzy, lips apart by an inch. He spoke down to her solemnly. “I know what you want…a minute…a moment…a way to make the pain go away… He stared down into her eyes, stroking a loose strand of grey behind her ear. He smiled apologetically. “It’s not my place; I cannot be the one to give you that,” He slid his arms around her waist, gently pressing her to his chest. “This is the only thing I can do.”

Accepting the hug, Yuri’s gaze lingered from his chest to the wall, confused. After all she had done, assaulting him, shouting, cursing, getting him fired, even doing so much as to mark him, here he was…embracing her. She blushed, remembering his allusion. It hadn’t been her original idea, she only wanted a fight. Didn’t I…? Closing her eyes, she forced back tears of frustration. “I do not understand. I hurt you, I tried to kill you-”

“You try to kill everybody,” pointed out Lucky, laughing somewhat. He raised both brows. “You are, after all, an assassin. I’m a little honored you even wasted time going after me.”

Chuckling, Yuri shook her head. She sighed, closing her eyes remorsefully. “I…I was foolish, I was miserable,” She forced her eyes to the bartender. “I am sorry,” Swallowing hard, she buried her face back into his chest, speaking weakly. “I would understand it if you do not want me around or you wish for me to go but I must ask, what is our connection? How do I know you? I promise once that is answered I’ll…” Yuri trailed off, shivering at the tingle shooting down her spine, Lucky gliding his lips from the tip of her nose to her forehead, fingertips massaging her scalp. She glanced sideways weakly. “Why do you tease me so?”

He whispered with a smile. “Because I am a tease,” he smoothed back the hair he had ruffled, subconsciously slipping his fingers through hers. He inwardly scolded himself at the move.

Now let her go…

Releasing her fingers, he tilted back her head to get a better look at the vampire. He let out a heavy breath, pocketing his hands. He had to find someway to keep his fingers off the woman. He rolled his eyes with a grin. “Silly Yuri…if I had wanted you to go away, you would know. But as for our connection, I’m,” He narrowed his eyes at a siren, balling up a fist from the sound. “5-0…”

“Five oh?” Yuri checked her small wristwatch, returning a bemused stare to the bartender. “It is not yet even three.”

“Popo,” muttered Lucky, sprinting to the back door he had been slammed into but a few minutes earlier.

“Po-what?”

“Police!” clarified the bartender. At times, he forgot Yuri was new to the era. Hurrying to unlock the door, he explained. “It’s my fault, shoulda figured out the manager would call. Wonder what this would stand under? Domestic disturbance, attempted homicide, destruction of property? Either ways, it’s not looking good on our wallets…or our free time.” Groaning at his lack of success, he kicked open the door, a cool night time breeze filling the room. Snatching his shirt, he pulled Yuri from the room, scrutinizing the alleyways...

(ooc: rushed this but I want to get to the meat of my sidequest...the point of it all. Well, okay, can't do that so more like a hint of what the point of it all was...)

“What are you doing?” Yuri snatched away her wrist bewildered. She stared to the anxious bartender curiously. “Why do we not just fight? What do you,” She watched him start to climb up the ladder of a fire escape. “What in hell are you planning?”

Motioning for her to follow, Lucky increased his pace up to the first platform, shirt swaying around his waist. “Obviously, I’m climbing. Can’t walk out through the front door because we WILL get arrested. I’m thinking we make it to the building adjacent this one, walk to the ground floor, then from there take the train back to my place. Oh and,” Helping Yuri up through the twelfth and final platform, he smirked. “While I know you’d love a fight, they have guns. And last time I checked, those hurt like hell.”

Standing on the rooftop of the twelve story building, Yuri took a breath, admiring the view. The city was glistening from the previous drizzle, waning moon illuminating the skyscrapers and melting icicles hanging off streetlamps. “Beautiful…” She took in the unusually cool evening, emotions slowly slipping away. She frowned at the edifice to the far right obstructing a blue and white building, a gloomy aura surrounding the abandoned structure.

Testing out a wire, Lucky hung his shirt over the bundle of thick black cords. Snapping his fingers, he pointed to the horrible building that had entranced Yuri. “That is to be our destination for the evening. Behind that is the train station. Course,” he teetered over the edge of the building, pale hands gripping tightly onto his shirt. “We’re gonna have to slide over. I’ll go first and catch you from the other side.”

Before Yuri could let out any form of complaint, he winked playfully, jumping from the ledge. Gliding across the wires, he landed onto the opposite rooftop, cringing at the groan from the rusted metal roof. Testing his weight out, his boots made a second creaking noise, but all in all, it seemed able to support his weight. Throwing on his shirt, a grin came from the cat-like footsteps to in back of him. “So the stories were true? How about that…”

Checking on the status of a stiletto, Yuri nudged her heel lightly; afraid the jump might’ve screwed her shoes. Positive they were in decent condition; she smirked, following Lucky through the rooftop door. “What have you heard? Excellent speed, marvelous agility, nearly unmatched in terms of jumping? I am curious.”

Running cautiously down a pair of rusted metal stairs, Lucky held his breath at the metallic scent. In a muffled tone, he said, “Heard you were something of a show-off. The whole jumping across instead of waiting sorta proved my point, no? Plus the basketball tournament…then the-”

“I get it,” interrupted Yuri, rolling her eyes with a scowl. Pushing past him, now on ground floor, she reached for the thick steel bolt door. “I call it being flamboyant, you should not be jealous over that. Honestly,” Opening the door, she stuck her leg through the entrance, almost instantly being pulled back by Lucky. She started to protest, the bartender cutting her off.

“We check the area before blindly running out into the open. Haven’t you ever seen a spy movie?” Chuckling at an evil glare thrown his way, he peeked out the entranceway to the train station. Sure enough, two patrolling guards were on standby, walkie talkies abuzz with orders.

“What from here, reconnaissance man?” inquired Yuri dryly, arms folded over her chest.

He ignored her sarcasm. “Normally, I would say diversion. But I would like to get this over with. Mimic my actions to the best of your abilities or in other words…follow the leader.”

He broke off into a mad dash, Yuri struggling to not get ahead of the bartender. Up to the startled officers, before a gun could be raised, he had plowed through the first one, Yuri knocking her target off his feet. Flying down the slippery cement stairwell, the two ran through the underground train station, jumping the silver turnstiles in their urgency to get away.

The local train sped by in a silver blur, the express doors closed on its blackish grey platform. A low roar ripped through the station, the last ride starting up. Lucky made a face, then the sign of the cross. Increasing his speed significantly, he leaped as the train left the station. With an effort, he caught hold of a metal rung on the back of the train, a light breath next to him indicating Yuri had done the same.

Yuri smiled, her good mood hidden as they entered the tunnels. The trace smell of rat and waste water were in the air, the scent of everything too hard to catch at the train’s rapid speed. Gripping tighter as the train made a left, she held her breath as it glided uphill, finally bursting out into the chill of the night. She laughed, braid flying wildly behind her. The whole ordeal had started to grow fun.

Lucky thought so as well, broad grin across his face. But that was nothing out of the norm, he was constantly jolly. The cold no affect to his face, he deduced from where they were at it would take a five minute ride until they reached the last stop. However, nearing the bridge, he frowned at a noticeable change. “We’ve switched tracks?”

Enjoying the feeling of the wind skimming over her hair, Yuri pulled her head out from the side, curious. “Really? What does it mean?” He didn’t have to answer, police sirens hanging in the air. Risking a glance over the side, in the distance, below the next step were several officers. Scanning the area, a solution came. A mischievous hue lit up her eyes, Yuri looking to Lucky.

Knowing her idea, Lucky shook his head, the murky waters below the summer green bridge more than foreboding. “Hell no. No, we can’t, its-”

Placing a finger to his lip, she silenced him. Yuri soon chuckled. “Live a little, Lucky. Would you rather I fought off the police and got us both shot or should we risk drowning?”

He struggled to come up with an answer. Groaning frustrated, he rubbed a hand down his face. “I hate you,” With a laugh, Yuri pulled him from the train, vaulting over the safety rails and downward to the waters below. Closing his eyes as his stomach zoomed into his throat, he balled up a fist. “I REALLY hate y-” His proclamation was cut off as he plunged into the icy liquid.

Breaking the surface of the frigid waters first, Yuri shook her head, shivering violently in the sub zero water. Heels impeding her floating process, she did the best she could, smiling as Lucky sprouted up. Watching as he spit out a stream of water, she cocked her head. “Did that not go swimmingly?”

Lucky splashed her, holding back a wave of nausea. “I could do without the pun,” He gagged, coughing out the awful taste into the river. “Water has the nerve not only to be salty and taste like shit, but to taste like sweet shit water. God damn,” He rubbed the water from his eyes.

“Yeah…” Yuri grew dizzy, the sudden cold a toll on her human body. “That is…” She trailed off, unable to form coherent speech. Closing her eyes, she lost consciousness in the freezing estuary…

(ooc: And three........)

(Long time no see I'm back had to take my finals but I should be back permenately. Now its been awhile since my last post and if you dont remember what happened you might want to go back some and read my last post cause this could get a little confusing.)

The more blood Airy drained the stronger she became and the more the wound on her throat began to heal. For a quick second Airy became what she felt like a monster wanting to drain every drop but soon contained herself as she released him from her hold realizing that she was near full strength again and that her throat had automatically healed she reached over and began to try and heal him but it was to no avail as Einari just laid there motionless."Whats going on why cant I heal him." She said trying again but it was still no effect. Ahe tried again and again but still it wasnt working.Becoming frantic she picked Einari up and began to run towards the cave.

Feeling Einari's light breathing beginning to subside she literally threw people out of her way in an effort to make it back to the cave. Upon making it to the entrance she kicked open the earthly stone door and proceeded to the study to find Khimaria. Once inside she couldnt find Khimaria anywhere so she laid Einari down on a wooden table and went shelf to shelf looking for a spell book that would be of use and after throwing book after book onto the ground Airy looked up as Khimaria calmly strolled in."Its Einari you have to save him." She said running up to Khimaria. She hadnt even known Einari that long and yet she was willingly to do anything for him.

Khimaria walked over to Einari and put her hand over his forehead.After taking a slight pause she turned to Airy who had a slightr look of dissappointment beginning to grow on her face."I'm sorry Airy but he's dead."She said slowly regretting to tell Airy the information. "No...NO!!!!!!!!!!"Airy yelled as she fell to her knees burying her face in her hands she began to cry loudly. The feeling of guilt and anger had washed over her.

Khimaria walked over to her and began to rub her back slowly. "Its my fault. I was the one who should have died today but instead he sacrificed himself for me so that I could live. But I should have been the one to die. DO YOU UNDERSTAND IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME!!!" Airy said yelling as she continued to cry twice as hard now."Airy I-" "I settled for being the weakest out of the generals because I felt my calling was to be a great healer but what a surprise I cant even do that right. I couldnt even save someone when they needed me the most.I failed I FAILED KHIMARIA!!!!" Airy yelled with such emotion."Airy you cant save everyone you know as well as I do that in war there will always be casualties just like-" "Dont even bring that up Khimaria that wasnt my fault and you know it but this is. I had every opprotunity to save him but I didnt dont you get it Khimaria I'm useless. Nothing but a waste of time and energy but I'll soon fix that."Airy said standing up and storming out of the study and into her room."There's nothing I can do to reverse it."Airy said falling face first into her bed. After laying in silence she began to laugh lightly to herself. "I'll NEVER heal again."She said closing her eyes and falling fast asleep.

Meanwhile in an office building inside of a tall skyscraper sat a man in a blue business suit with half his face covered so that only his lips were revealed."Mr Maxwell sir I have breaking news."A tall slender red head said walking into the office."Nice weather we're having.Who would have thought a simple spell like weather control would have lasted weeks.I must be getting stronger everyday wouldnt you agree Alice.""I'm sorry sir to interupt but Buffy has been slain.Alice said dtepping back."So Airy passed her pre test with flying colors.Good job on her part I must say very few people pass the novice stage.He said clapping for Airy."What will you have me do now?"Alice asked."Send for Scorpio"Maxwell commanded."Sir are you sure isnt that a little drastic?"Questioned Alice."Dont worry I just want to see what one of the legendary generals are really made of."He saud fingering his pen."Ok right away sir."She said as she walked out.The following events should prove to be the most interesting."Mr.Maxwell said crushing the pen in his hand.

A heavy weight seemed to be devouring her figure. Vision flooded in darkness, she felt as if she were suffocating, the air around her overly thick, too much to bear. Flickering her lids, Yuri waited a few minutes until the area came to focus. She was covered in several thick blankets, lying sideways on a Queen Size bed. By the bedside was a beige phone on top of an ash dresser, a white radiator turned on full by the window. “Where the hell…?”

She instantly regretted speaking. Her voice was completely parched from the hot and dry atmosphere. Coughing into the multiple blue and white sheets covering her up to muffle the noise, she made a startling discover. Her clothes were nowhere to be found. She still had her bra and underwear –thankfully- but her jacket, shoes, shirt, and jeans had gone MIA as she slept.

Taking a deep breath, Yuri groggily slid out of bed. She squinted at the light from the window, the heavens opening up to shine down on her. She grinded her teeth, heavily annoyed at the circumstances. At least I now know where I am… She had caught the all too familiar scent of a certain someone in the air. Though…where they were had yet to be resolved.

A clatter in the kitchen redirected her attention from the window to the closed bedroom door. Wrapping a silk sheet over her shoulders, Yuri gently opened the plain white door, peeking out wide-eyed into the living room. It was a simple modern styled apartment; leather sofa, silver flat screen TV, pure white carpet, glass coffee table, another glass table propped against the wall holding a framed photo of a pseudo family. The only oddity was the assorted boxes stacked against the wall, each packed with miscellaneous items in the new apartment.

They held her interest but for a few seconds. What truly grabbed her attention was the bartender, humming to himself merrily in the kitchen. The only thing that separated the living room from the cooking/eating area was an off-white countertop, the counter itself wooden.

Yuri tilted her head, curious. The bartender hadn’t noticed her presence, too busy cooking some concoction on the stove. Across his back were various scars and marks, each looking more painful then the last. His hair managed to cover the worst of it, the platinum blonde trailing halfway down his back. Standing in nothing but boxers, he seemed to be listening to music.

I see… Averting her attention away from Lucky, Yuri crept silently to the countertop, a plate of sausages to one side, eggs on the other. In the center of it all was a fork, spoon and a large cutting knife. She grabbed the knife, knowing it would have to suffice.

Hopping the counter, Yuri dug her nails into the bartender’s shoulder, pressing the knife to his throat. He dropped a spatula, a profanity leaving his mouth in shock. Ignoring it, she whispered demonically into his ear. “Would you mind telling me WHY I am here and WHAT happened to my CLOTHES?!”

Massaging his heart, Lucky took five deep calming breaths, shocked and enraged both at once. Suppressing his anger, he glared to the hand holding the knife. “You’re out of your god damn mind, aren’t you?” He made a wry face, turning off the stove as the knife was pushed closer to his throat.

Petting his head, Yuri smiled evilly. “Oh, why should you be so surprised?” She began to pull him away from the kitchen, walking backwards out into the living room. “I thought you could foresee all this.”

Lucky grinded his teeth, balling up a fist. “Excuse it if I don’t look into the future every five minutes to see if some crazy vampire is going to put a knife to my throat!!” He finished his statement in a shout.

“Whose fault is that?!” she shouted back, not in the mood for sarcasm. “…And you still have not answered my questions.”

He risked pointing a finger to his throat. “The knife…take the knife away from my neck…then I’ll talk. But let me say this in advance cause I know its what you’re thinking. I didn’t screw you/take advantage of you/etc/blah blah.”

“Lucky…” Yuri purred into his ear, bumping into the head of the sofa. She pulled him close. “Even if you DID take advantage of me, would you admit it with a knife to your throat? No, you answer my questions now. Then I will let you go.”

“How about this…?” At the risk of slitting his throat, Lucky pushed himself into Yuri, the vampiress losing her balance. Falling onto the sofa, she grunted as Lucky fell on top of her. Letting out a tired breath, Lucky spun around to face Yuri, knocking the blade from her hand. Holding her wrists, he said, “Girlie, calm down.”

Uncomfortable with the change of positions, Yuri flipped Lucky to the carpet, pouncing on the bartender before he could recover. Pinning his arms to the floor, she glared dangerously. “How about you do not pull a stunt like that EVER again?! Now listen…” She leaned closer, a glint to her eye. “The sooner you talk, the sooner I get off of you.”

Merely staring up to Yuri, Lucky gained a vague expression. Lying beneath Yuri’s weight, for a second he felt…he didn’t mind. The lack of control over the situation wasn’t entirely new but coming from the moody femme, it felt…he shook the thoughts from his head, it being enough to motivate him.

Turning Yuri onto her back, he pinned her down, grinning maniacally in his irritation. He stopped her from protesting with one sentence. “Yuri, in case you did not realize it, you sitting on top of me with a bra and underwear is anything but threatening and to be frank, the exact opposite.”

Blinking wide-eyed, Yuri’s eyes soon narrowed. A devious grin was in play. “Curious…I wonder why it would matter considering you are off of women. And to your defense, you held no intentions of ‘screwing’ me…didn’t you?” She forced back a chuckle at the pink tinge that reached his cheeks.

Releasing her, Lucky got to his feet. He folded his arms over his chest, stare to the side. “I hate you…” sighing, he kneaded his forehead, starting to laugh. “I hate you so much…you have no frigging idea.”

“I just might.” mimicking his actions, she crossed her arms over her bra, leaning against the glass table to the wall. She tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for his explanation.

Skimming his fingers through his hair, Lucky casually glanced to the side. Forcing his eyes on Yuri, he said, “Last night…after we jumped into the water, the cold got to you something fierce. Apparently, your body didn’t properly adjust to the rapid change in temperature.”

“And you?”

Lucky waved off the question, walking to the liquor cabinet. “I rarely feel anything unless I want to or I can’t control myself. But to simplify…the water was of no bother to me,” Scanning the various alcohols making up the glass cabinet, he smiled at the perfect one. “You on the other hand…you went unconscious. And by the time I dragged you out you were at the risk of hypothermia. My healing abilities are little to none but enough. I did the best I could on land and from there, took you here; my place. Had to take off your clothes and bundle you up to keep you warm, least that’s what first aid taught me.”

“Really,” Jumping onto the sofa, Yuri rested her back. She crossed her legs pensively. “I believe I am in debt to you…again. How bothersome. But on a related note, where ARE my clothes?”

“In the washing machine in the basement being bleached and cleansed as we speak. They won’t be dry for a while, the dryer’s busted so yeah…the bra and underwear look will have to suit you,” Smirking, he slid a glass of wine into one hand, the Hennessey bottle it came from into another. Noting the evil hue to her eyes, he chuckled. “Nah, relax, I’m just messing with you. My step-sister left an outfit around. You can wear that.”

Sipping tentatively to the wine, Yuri softened the look in her eyes. She stared up to the jolly bartender analytically, coming to a conclusion soon after. “It is funny how I never noticed. You always hold a smile…” She set the Hennessy Very Special onto the table. She frowned. “But while you smile, it never has extended to your eyes. All that is visible is melancholy…regret,” She rested the glass down, reaching for his face. “When was the last time you were truly happy?”

Lucky stared, shaken by her observation. He struggled with not reaching out to her, instead, closing his eyes. He gave a weak grin. “I…can’t say I remember, I,” He dug his nails into the thick leather. His jaw grew taut, he turning his head some. “Yuri…let me go.”

“Does it have to do with me? Why you are forlorn?”

“I…” He took a calming breath, finally opening his eyes to the anxious vampiress. “In part, yes. It’s not entirely your fault, I’ve grown to accept that but a small part of me still blames you for the death of Sage,” She let go of his face at hearing the name, eyes growing glossy at the sudden cold to his tone. “Its wrong of me to still think that way but for several odd years, I held nothing but hate for you.”

Flinching as he slid his hands down to her cheeks, Yuri sighed. “Do you still hate me then, stranger? Will you tell me how we are connected so I can understand why?”

“No…” Lucky shook his head, resting his hands on her shoulders. “As I said, I never actually knew you but I made a false prejudgment after the death of Sage. It was the only way I could properly cope. Though…now that I got to know you, even if…you can be a little moody at times, for what it’s worth…you’re an interesting sister in-law.”

At hearing his last three words, Yuri quickly snapped out of the relaxed state she’d fallen into. Sitting up, a brow twitched, Yuri rubbing a fang with her tongue. After a long minute, she made a placid request. “Could you please repeat that?”

Lucky made a face. “As I said-”

“No, no, no,” interrupted Yuri, eyes closed in annoyance. “The last part of your last sentence,” clarified the testy vampiress.

“For what it’s worth, you’re an interesting sister in-law?”

“Omit the ‘in-law’ portion,” spoke Yuri through gritted teeth.

“You’re an interesting sister?”

“Bingo!” Springing to her feet, Yuri whipped around to face him, hazel eyes holding a look of malice. She drilled a finger into his chest. “And just when in HELL did you plan on telling me this? Before or after I ended up screwing you?!”

Lucky laughed derisively, soon turning that into a cough. Forcing a smile, he angled his head to the side. “Please, I don’t think you’re giving me enough credit-”

“F**k your credit, I almost f**ked you!!!” exclaimed Yuri, hazel eyes livid from her words. Lucky closed his eyes, shaking his head with a boyish grin, Yuri continuing on. “Do not play innocent, you know it is true. If I had even dared to kiss you during our previous battle, it would’ve been a wrap,” Exhaling loudly as Lucky started to laugh, Yuri clasped his jaw, completely deadpan. “I have never been more serious in my life, you know this is-”

“I know,” interrupted the bartender suddenly. Opening his eyes, he held onto her wrist, gently prying her hand from his face. He sighed, playing with her fingers. “I know…it is why I stopped our battle. It is not only the respect I hold for my brother but plain and simple, I can not be the one to do that.”

“Then who can?” muttered Yuri bitterly, collapsing back onto the sofa in defeat. She had meant it as a rhetorical question, growing suspicious at the broad smile that had cracked Lucky’s face. Sitting up, she arched a brow. “Just how much do you know of my future?” Her nails grew subconsciously.

“I know enough,” responded Lucky smoothly, heading to a closet a few feet away. Shrugging, he searched through the thickly packed space. “Though nothing is guaranteed so I’m afraid I can’t tell you anything. In truth, I have a tendency towards heavy foreshadowing, vague hints as to what's to come. Mother nature works the same way…”

He stared out to the cloudy sky mysteriously. Brushing a strand of hair behind his ear, he continued on his search. “But I digress. And while I know you originally intended to stay in the house all day, I think you should resolve some issues. Find yourself a little closure.”

Shortening her nails reluctantly, Yuri craned her neck to see what the bartender had pulled from the closet. He threw a zipped bag over the sofa, ruffling Yuri’s hair. Resting his chin on her head, Yuri stared to the bottle of cognac. “What did you have in mind? For the closure, I mean?”

“A question is all,” Zipping down the black bag, he made an inquiry. “Who raped your target? Who killed Jasmine Kain?” He annunciated each syllable slowly, throwing Yuri’s outfit into her lap.

“Who indeed…” murmured Yuri, knowing what she’d have to do without it being said. Smoothing back her hair, at seeing the outfit given to her, she growled, bothered. “Tell me, what was your sister’s profession?”

“Pharmacy worker.”

“During the night,” specified Yuri.

“Mostly a clubber but…” He stroked his chin thoughtfully. “Know she did a little stripping on the side.”

Lifting an open toed black stiletto, Yuri sighed at her fortune, moving to get dressed. “That explains it…”

*****************************

Thankful for the length of her SouthPole jacket, Yuri pocketed her hands, holding back a new wave of profanity in the past hour. Her boots were too waterlogged to wear so she had been stuck with the stilettos, each toe being bitten by the chill winter wind. Thankfully, the snow had been washed away, a thick set of mud in its place.

Reaching the abandoned clearing, Yuri forced away a wave of nausea. The scent of decay had yet to reach the area, the weather perfect for preserving bodies…for preserving the bodies of Mrs. Kain and who Yuri had started to believe was the true Mr. Kain.

The spirit of Mrs. Kain sat on the same mossy stone, staring heavily to her desecrated body. She sighed, bored and flustered, unsure how many seconds would pass, how many years would come until someone discovered her corpse. Wouldn’t anyone come…her hazel eyes glowed livid, outshining the ethereal glow of her complexion…didn’t anyone care?

The snapping of a twig caught her attention. Losing any emotion her features had gained, she glanced. The woman…the vampire had returned. Wrapping her arms around her knees, she wished she were a malevolent being once the first question left Yuri’s mouth.

“Were you raped?”

Déjà vu… Staring straight ahead, Jasmine nodded her head in agreement.

“Did a vampire rape you?”

Nowhere fast… Again, she nodded her head, grip around her knees growing tighter.

“Do I…” Yuri took a deep breath, staring hard to the apathetic being. “Do I know the vampire that raped you?”

At this question, a noticeable change overcame the spirit. Gone was her frailty, her reluctance, her caution to make a move. Swinging her head in Yuri’s direction, she elegantly lifted herself from the rock, her nakedness in full view. Strutting up to the cool femme, she tilted her head, hazel eyes sparkling brilliantly. She grinned eerily. “Do you?”

A banshee’s howl escaped her throat, Yuri gasping as all air left her lungs. Seizing her chance, the spirit entered Yuri. Falling to her knees, her vision swirled violently, her world turning upside down. The tree branches groaned, storm clouds spiraling…and Yuri found herself, once more, in shadow…

((ooc: Welcome back, Zernad....anywho...
...And a Two))